Perspiration shield

ABSTRACT

A perspiration shield configured to absorb sweat. The perspiration shield includes a top surface that includes a fold indicator. The shield also includes a bottom surface including a plurality of perforation arrays extending from the bottom surface of the shield through an absorbent layer to the top surface. The shield includes a first adhesive region and a second adhesive region disposed on the top surface. The shield includes a middle region extending between a left end and a right end of the shield. The middle region includes an adhesive layer. The middle region includes a reduction region having reduced material compared to its surrounding. The perspiration shield is configured to couple to an interior of an article of clothing, in particular about an armpit region.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to perspiration pads, specifically to a perspiration shield.

2. Description of the Related Art

Perspiration, sweating, transpiration, or diaphoresis is the production of a fluid consisting primarily of water as well as various dissolved solids, that is excreted by the sweat glands in the skin of mammals, such as humans. Sweat contains the chemicals or odorants 2-methylphenol (o-cresol) and 4-methylphenol (p-cresol), as well as a small amount of urea, thereby producing a sweat odor. In humans, sweating is primarily a means of thermoregulation, to regulate the temperature of the human body and its organs. Evaporation of sweat from the skin surface has a cooling effect due to the latent heat of evaporation of water. Hence, in hot weather, or when the individual's muscles heat up due to exertion, more sweat is produced. Anti-perspirant and pads have been developed to solve problems of over sweating and protecting clothes from sweat marks. Examples of references related to the present invention are described below in their own words, and the supporting teachings of each reference are incorporated by reference herein:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,760,920, issued to Kadymir et al., discloses an underarm perspiration pad that straddles the lower edge of a sleeve opening positioning one inner semi-circular ply on one side within the garment and another outer semi-circular ply on the other side within the sleeve, and in the outer ply there are radially oriented unfolded pleats which in response to pivotal arm movements assume folded conditions and thus offer a least resistance impeding these arm movements.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,618,859, issued to Kadymir et al., discloses an underarm perspiration pad having a length portion of an upper edge connected between opposite selectively sized triangular shapes, wherein the selected size of each triangular shape in the underarm site of use of the perspiration pad is of an extent that it is readily observable above the edge of a sleeveless garment arm opening, and the observed portions of the triangular shapes are trimmed preparatory to removal along lines of perforations so as to minimize cognitive awareness of the use of the perspiration pad.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,129, issued to Czekalla et al., discloses a device to absorb underarm perspiration is provided. The device includes a central body with an absorbent pad disposed thereon. Extending from the upper portion of the central body is a first pair of arms, which include a right and left terminus. Located atop the right and left terminus of the first pair of arms is a first fastening means designed to hold the absorbent pad directly on the underarm by looping generally about the deltoid muscle of the arm and connecting the right arm to the left arm. Extending from the middle portion of the central body is a second pair of arms, which include a right and a left terminus. Located atop the right and left terminus of the second pair of arms is a second fastening means designed to additionally secure the absorbent pad directly on the underarm by affixing the right and left arms of the second pair of arms to the trunk of the user. Extending from the lower portion of the central body is a third pair of arms, which include a right and a left terminus. Located atop the right and left terminus of the third pair of arms is a third fastening means designed to further additionally secure the absorbent pad directly on the underarm. This is accomplished by affixing the right and left arms of the third pair of arms to the trunk of the user. The device is attached so that the absorbent pad is firmly affixed to the underarm, and will absorb perspiration secreted therefrom.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,790,982, issued to Boutboul et al., discloses a garment pad for absorbing and shielding a garment from perspiration, the garment including a sleeve opening and a sleeve having a sleeve connection end and a sleeve connection seam at which the sleeve connection end is connected to the remainder of the garment around the sleeve opening, includes a pad body of absorbent material; and pad body attachment mechanism for securing the pad body across the lower portion of the sleeve connection seam adjacent to a garment wearer armpit. The pad body attachment mechanism preferably attaches the pad body to the garment removably. The pad body preferably includes a first pad face for directing toward the armpit of a garment wearer and a second pad face, and the attachment mechanism preferably includes an adhesive covering at least a part of the second pad face. The garment pad preferably additionally includes an adhesive backing sheet extending over and against the adhesive for shielding the adhesive until the pad is to be used, and for pealing away from the adhesive to expose the adhesive for making binding contact with the garment. The second pad face preferably includes two opposing end regions, where the adhesive covers only the two opposing end regions, and where two separate adhesive backing sheets respectively cover the end regions. The pad body is preferably ellipse-shaped to be rotatable to fit sleeves of various sizes.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,111, issued to Sholes, discloses a disposable perspiration shield generally for use with an upper torso garment utilizing a first layer of adsorbent tissue which lies next to a second layer of adsorbent material. A third layer of adsorbent swab material is protected on one side by the second layer and on another side by a fourth layer of adsorbent material. A fifth layer of water repellent material is placed adjacent the swab protecting layer and surrounded by a sixth layer of sound adsorbing material. The first through sixth layers of material form a unit which is adherent with respect to the torso garment.

The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages which include being limited in application, being limited in use, being uncomfortable to use, being ineffective, being expensive, being limited size, being limited in shape, being limited in configuration, being not completely concealed, being limited in design, being limited in odor control, being limited in stain control, being bulky, being difficult to adjust, being difficult to manufacture, being difficult to store, being difficult to sell, and the like.

What is needed is a perspiration shield that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available perspiration pads. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a multi-configuration perspiration shield.

According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a perspiration shield configured to absorb sweat. The perspiration shield may include a top surface that may include a fold indicator that may be disposed along a primary axis of the perspiration shield. The shield may also include a bottom surface that may be disposed opposite the top surface, and may include a plurality of perforation arrays that may extend through the bottom surface of the shield to the top surface. The top surface or the bottom surface may include a layer of panty liner.

The shield may include a left end that may include a first perforation array that may be disposed along the left end and that may extend substantially parallel to a primary axis of the left end. The shield may also include a right end that may be disposed opposite of the left end. The right end may include a first perforation array that may be disposed along the right end and may extend substantially parallel to a primary axis of the right end. The left end and the right end each may include a third perforation array that may be disposed substantially parallel to the first perforation array.

The shield may include a front end that may include a second perforation array that may be disposed along the front end and along a curve that may be substantially similar to a curve of the front end. The front end may include a first adhesive region that may be disposed along the front end substantially parallel to an axis of the front end. The shield may include a back end, that may be disposed opposite the front end and may be substantially orthogonal to the left end. The back end may include a second perforation array that may be disposed along the back end and along a curve that may be substantially similar to a curve of the back end. The back end may include a second adhesive region that may be disposed along the back end substantially parallel to an axis of the back end. The left end of the shield may minor the right end of the shield and the front end of the shield may mirror the back end of the shield.

The shield may further include a middle region that may be extending between the left end and the right end. The middle region may include an adhesive layer. The middle region may include a reduction region that may have reduced material compared to its surrounding. The reduction region may include an array of diamond shaped apertures. The middle region may include a pair of fourth perforation arrays that may be extending along the middle region and substantially parallel to a primary axis of the middle region. The middle region may include a pair of curved middle perforation arrays that may be disposed substantially about the middle region of the shield, and may extend from the left end to the right end. The curved middle perforation arrays may be disposed along a curve similar to a curve of the back end and the front end of the perspiration shield, respectively. The middle region may also include an absorbent layer that may be disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface of the perspiration shield.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a perspiration shield, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a perspiration shield, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a perspiration shield, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a perspiration shield in a first mode, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a perspiration shield in a second mode coupled to a sleeveless article of clothing, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a perspiration shield in a first mode coupled to an article of clothing, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” an “example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an “example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording “embodiment,” “example” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily related, dissimilar, the same, etc.

Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language “another embodiment.” The features, functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.

As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a perspiration shield, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a perspiration shield 10 including a top surface 12. The illustrated perspiration shield 10 includes a plurality of structures configured to provide a multitude of operational configurations in a low cost and highly effective device. The shield 10 is preconfigured to adapt to a wide variety of desired shapes, sizes, configurations, uses, and the like through inter-operative structures that synergistically cooperate to provide benefits far beyond the benefits of any particular structure and in great disproportion to the cost of producing the same. Advantageously, such a shield may be commercially feasible and highly attractive to retailer, wholesaler, and consumer alike wherein other shields have failed.

The illustrated perspiration shield 10 is configured to absorb sweat and prevent sweat from staining an article of clothing, in particular around the armpit region. The perspiration shield 10 includes a top surface 12 that includes a fold indicator 15 and a plurality of perforation arrays.

A fold indicator may be markings, indentations, colorings, or other visual or tactile indicators that mark the shield along a fold line such that a user may be directed as to an appropriate fold position and orientation. Such may also include weakened structural lines and or other structures configured to facilitate the folding thereof.

Perforation arrays include lines (not necessarily straight) of perforations through the material (or incomplete structural connectivity thereof) that facilitate the removal or tearing thereof along the line. Such may include perforations that are dots, dashes, and/or partial connectivity such as but not limited to threaded couplings or hook and loop couplings that permit “tearing.” In the illustrated shield, perforation arrays are illustrated by dashed lines that extend only through the body of the shield while fold indicators are illustrated by solid lines within the body of the shield. Axis indicators are illustrated as dashed lines (larger dash length than perforation arrays) that extend outside of the body of the shield. In one embodiment, perforation arrays include lined cavities through the pad such that the walls of the cavities are covered in one or more layers of material that form the outer layers of the pad. Thereby, when the perforation is torn, a major portion of the length of the tear is still covered by an outer layer, thereby helping to seal moisture therein.

The illustrated fold indicator 15 is configured to provide an outline to fold the perspiration shield 10 to a desired shape and size to unnoticeably couple to an armpit region of an article of clothing, such as folding the perspiration shield in half. The plurality of perforation arrays are configured to provide an outline to remove portions of the perspiration shield 10 to a desired shape and size to be substantially unnoticeably coupled to an armpit region of an article of clothing.

The perspiration shield 10 includes a left end 26 having a first perforation array 34 that is disposed along the left end 26. The first perforation array 34 extends substantially parallel to a primary axis 14 of the left end 26 such that the first perforation array may be utilized to selectively decrease an effective width and/or lateral extension of the shield, or otherwise reduce a width profile thereof. The perspiration shield 10 also includes a right end 28 that is disposed opposite of the left end 26. The right end 28 includes another first perforation array 35 that is disposed along the right end 28 and extends substantially parallel to a primary axis 22 of the right end 28 such that the first perforation array may be utilized to selectively decrease an effective width and/or lateral extension of the shield, or otherwise reduce a width profile thereof. The left end 26 and the right end 28 each include a third perforation array 37, 39 that are disposed substantially parallel to the first perforation arrays 34, 35 such that utilization thereof may selectively adjust the shield in a manner similar to adjustment(s) effectuated by use of the first perforation array. (The second perforation array of the perspiration shield will be discussed later on in the specification.)

The illustrated perspiration shield 10 includes a front end 30 including a second perforation array 38 that is disposed along the front end 30 and along a curve that is substantially similar to a curve of the front end 30 such that an apex of the curved second perforation array is aligned with the curve of the front end of the shield. The front end 30 also includes a first adhesive region 53 disposed along the front end 30 substantially parallel to an axis 16 of the front end 30. The perspiration shield 10 includes a back end 32 that is disposed opposite the front end 30 and is substantially orthogonal to the left end 26, such that the general shape of the shield is elliptical in nature but not necessarily forming an ellipse. The back end 32 includes a second perforation array 45 that is disposed along the back end 32 and along a curve that is substantially similar to a curve of the back end 32, such that the apex of each is aligned. The back end 32 includes a second adhesive region 51 that is disposed along the back end 32 substantially parallel to an axis 20 of the back end 32. The illustrated shield 10 includes the left end 26 of the shield 10 mirrors the right end 28 of the shield 10; and the front end 30 of the shield 10 minors the back end 32 of the shield 10.

The illustrated perspiration shield 10 further includes a middle region 40 extending between the left end 26 and the right end 28 of the perspiration shield 10. The middle region 40 includes an adhesive layer 42. The middle region 40 includes a reduction region 24 having reduced material compared to its surrounding. The reduction region 24 includes an array of diamond shaped apertures or cavities wherein a lesser amount of material is present, such as but not limited to portions of a layer of the shield being missing. Accordingly, the cavities may “absorb” surrounding material and/or may limit the transfer of stress/strain between fibers and/or layers of material when folded about the region of the cavities and prevent bunching.

The middle region 40 includes a pair of fourth perforation arrays 44, 49 extending along the middle region 40 and substantially parallel to a primary axis 18 of the middle region 40, such that the array may be utilized to selectively decrease an effective length and/or extension of the shield, or otherwise reduce a profile thereof. The middle region 40 also includes a pair of curved middle perforation arrays 56, 57 extending from the left end 26 to the right end 28 of the perspiration shield 10. The curved middle perforation arrays 56, 57 are disposed along a curve similar to a curve of the back end 32 and the front end 30, and are disposed such that an apex of the curved middle perforation arrays 56, 57 are aligned with the curve of the front end 30 of the shield 10 and the curve of the back end 32 of the shield 10. The middle region 40 includes a fold indicator 15 disposed along the primary axis 18 of the middle region 40, and configured to provide a fold indication to fold the perspiration shield in half.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a perspiration shield, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a perspiration shield 10 including a top surface 12, an absorbent layer 50, and a bottom surface 52.

The illustrated perspiration shield 10 includes a top surface 12 having a fold indicator disposed thereon and a plurality of perforation arrays disposed there through. The perspiration shield 10 also includes a bottom surface 52 that is disposed opposite the top surface 12. The bottom surface includes a plurality of perforation arrays configured to extend through the bottom surface of the shield, through an absorbent layer 50 to the top surface 12. The top surface 12, the bottom surface 52 and the absorbent layer 50 each include a reduction region 24, disposed there through having reduced material compared to its surroundings. The absorbent layer 50 includes a material configured to absorb a liquid. Non-limiting examples of a material used for an absorbent layer may be woven fibers such as but not limited to: cotton, cloth, silk, and wool; paper, textiles, materials found in diapers, and the like, combinations thereof and etc. The following references are incorporated herein for their supporting teachings: U.S. Pat. No. 4,778,459, issued to Fuisz; U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,590, issued to Pieniak et al.; and U.S. Patent Publication No.: 2007/0112319, by Guidotti.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a perspiration shield, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown perspiration shield 10 including a top surface 12, an absorbent layer 50, and a bottom surface 52.

The illustrated perspiration shield 10 includes a top surface 12 and a bottom surface 52. The perspiration shield 10 includes an absorbent layer 50 disposed in between the top surface 12 and the bottom surface 52 configured to absorb sweat. The absorbent layer 50 may include additives configured to absorb or mask sweat odor, such as but not limited to antiperspirants, deodorants, perfumes, fluid absorbents, scent absorbing materials, and the like and combinations thereof. Examples of some of such additives includes but is not limited to: corn starch, talcum powder, baking soda, charcoal, acidic acid, vinegar, etc. The bottom surface 52 includes a layer of panty liner material 65 such as materials including but not limited to Kotex light day panty liners manufactured by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Dept. INT, P.O. Box 2020, Neenah, Wis. 54957-2020; Always Pantiliner manufactured by Procter and Gamble, 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202; Poise Liner manufactured by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Dept. INT, P.O. Box 2020, Neenah, Wis. 54957-2020; and a panty liner as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,710,219, issued to Persson et al. The layer of panty liner 65 is configured to provide a comfortable surface to contact the skin of a user and/or to reduce the likelihood of fluid from escaping the absorbent layer and coming in renewed contact with the skin.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a perspiration shield in a first mode, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a perspiration shield 10 in a first mode 60.

The illustrated perspiration shield 10 is in a first mode 60. In the first mode 60, the perspiration shield 10 is in a folded configuration with the top surface 12 facing downward. The illustrated perspiration shield 10 is configured to couple to an inside of an article of clothing having sleeves. The folded perspiration shield is configured to be aligned with the interior of the article of clothing where the sleeve meets the chest/shoulder aperture. The folded perspiration shield 10 is configured to be disposed along the interior of a sleeve and armpit region.

The perspiration shield 10 includes a reduction region 24 including reduced material compared to its surrounding. The illustrated reduction region 24 includes an array of diamond shaped apertures. The reduction region 24 is configured to provide a even fold across a primary axis 18 of the middle region 40, thereby creating uniform contact between an adhesive layer of the middle region, a first adhesive region, or a second adhesive region and the interior of an article of clothing having sleeves.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a perspiration shield in a second mode coupled to a sleeveless article of clothing, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a perspiration shield 10 in a second mode 70 coupled to an article of clothing 75.

The illustrated perspiration shield 10 is in a second mode 70 coupled to an article of clothing 75. The illustrated article of clothing 75 does not include sleeves. In the second mode 70, the perspiration shield 10 is separated along a pair of curved middle perforation arrays and the middle region is discarded, thereby having a front portion and a back portion of the perspiration shield 10. The front portion is coupled to an arm pit region of a side of the article of clothing 75 and the back portion is coupled to an arm it region of an opposite side of the article of clothing 75, thereby protecting both arm pit regions of the article of clothing 75. In the second mode 70, an adhesive layer about a curved middle perforation array and a first adhesive region couples the front portion to a bottom edge of a sleeve aperture 80 of the article of clothing 75. In the second mode 70, an adhesive layer about a curved middle perforation array and a second adhesive region couples the back portion to a bottom edge of a sleeve aperture 80 of the article of clothing 75.

In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user separates the perspiration shield in thirds, by separating the perspiration shield along a pair of curved middle perforation arrays. The user creates a front portion, a back portion, and a middle portion. The user discards the middle portion of the perspiration shield. The user aligns an adhesive layer about a curved middle perforation array to a bottom edge of a sleeve aperture of an article of clothing, thereby coupling the front portion to a region below the sleeve aperture. The first adhesive region is configured to couple to an interior side of the article of clothing. The user couples the back portion of the perspiration shield to the bottom edge of a sleeve aperture with an adhesive layer disposed about a curved middle perforation array. A second adhesive region of the back portion of the perspiration shield is coupled to an interior side of the article of clothing to help support the perspiration shield while in use.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a perspiration shield in a first mode couples to an article of clothing, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a perspiration shield 10 in a first mode 60 coupled to an article of clothing 90.

The illustrated perspiration shield 10 is in a first mode 60. In the first mode 60, the perspiration shield 10 is folded in half and coupled to an article of clothing 90. The illustrated article of clothing 90 includes sleeves 85. The perspiration shield 10 is configured to fold along a fold indicator along a primary axis of the middle region. In the first mode 60, a middle region of the perspiration shield 10 is configured to couple to the interior of the article of clothing 90. The perspiration shield 10 is configured to couple to an interior region of the article of clothing 90 between a sleeve 85 and a chest region 86, in particular an armpit region. The middle region on the perspiration shield 10 is configured to couple to a region where the sleeve 85 and the chest region 86 couple together. An adhesive layer disposed on a middle region is configured to couple the perspiration shield 10 to the article of clothing 90. In addition, a first adhesive region and a second adhesive region are configured to provide additional support, coupling the perspiration shield to the article of clothing.

In one embodiment, material used is “nude” in color so that it may appear substantially identical to skin through clothing, such as but not limited to when being worn with white or sheer clothing and/or when extending in a visible manner in operation.

In another embodiment, there is a shield/pad that is concave-moon-shaped.

In still another embodiment, there is an oval shaped armpit pad/shield, wherein the widest part of the oval is along a middle axis and includes one or more fold indicators such that it may be folded substantially in half. It would be wide enough to cover the armpit area susceptible to stains. Along a middle line there may be one or more or six elongated triangle shaped cut-outs that may be equally spaced. The widest part of the diamond cut-outs may be along a middle line or axis. Such may permit the pad to curve with a seam line and lay smoothly. Perforation arrays may extend along portions of the pad such that a user may leave them intact or may tear them to selectably alter a size/shape of the pad.

In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user folds the perspiration shield in half and aligns a middle region to a region where the sleeve of the article of clothing meets the chest region. The user may further modify the perspiration shield by removing portions of the perspiration shield along a plurality of perforation arrays. The user may further modify the perspiration shield by folding portions of the perspiration shield along a plurality of fold indicators. The user may also cut along the plurality of fold indicators to a desired shape and size. The user couples the perspiration shield to the region where the sleeve meets the chest region of an article of clothing, in particular an armpit region, with an adhesive layer disposed about a middle region of the perspiration shield.

In operation of other embodiments, a user folds the shield along one or more fold indicators and/or tears the shield along one or more perforation arrays thereby advantageously resulting in a final desired shape having curvature, straight edging, size, and positionability to match a tremendous variety of garment configurations such that the shield may be work comfortably and/or may be inconspicuous when in use while still performing its intended function of protecting the user and his or her clothing, including but not limited to racerback, cut-away armpits, strapless, and etc. The perforations also seal the pad to prevent moisture leakage that may occur if the material was simply cut to fit. Further, using perforation arrays, a user may tear the shield to form a plurality of shields from a single shield.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

1. A perspiration shield for absorbing sweat, comprising:

-   -   a) a top surface having a plurality of fold indicators,     -   b) a bottom surface, opposite the top surface, including a         plurality of perforation arrays extending through the bottom         surface to the top surface,     -   c) a left end, wherein a first perforation array is disposed         along the left end and extends substantially parallel to a         primary axis of the left end,     -   d) a right end, opposite the left end,     -   e) a front end, wherein a second perforation array is disposed         along the front end and along a curve substantially similar to a         curve of the front end, and wherein a first adhesive region is         disposed along the front end substantially parallel to an axis         of the front end,     -   f) a back end, opposite the front end and substantially         orthogonal to the left end,     -   g) a middle region extending between the left end and the right         end, comprising:         -   i) an adhesive layer;         -   ii) a pair of fourth perforation arrays extending along the             middle region and disposed substantially parallel to a             primary axis of the middle region and,     -   h) an absorbent layer disposed between the top surface and the         bottom surface.         2. The shield of statement 1 wherein the middle region further         comprises a reduction region having reduced material compared to         its surrounding.         3. The shield of either preceding statement, wherein the bottom         surface includes a layer of panty liner.         4. The shield of any preceding statement, wherein the left end         of the shield mirrors the right end of the shield, and the front         end of the shield mirrors the back end of the shield.         5. The shield of any preceding statement, wherein the left end         and the right end each further include a third perforation array         disposed substantially parallel to the first perforation array         of the left end and the right end.         6. The shield of any preceding statement, wherein the back end         includes a second perforation array disposed along the back end         and along a curve substantially similar to a curve of the back         end, and a second adhesive region disposed along the back end         substantially parallel to an axis of the back end.         7. The shield of any preceding statement, wherein the         perspiration shield further includes a plurality of fold         indicators disposed on the top surface.         8. The shield of any preceding statement, including a pair of         curved middle perforation arrays disposed substantially about         the middle region of the shield, extending from the left end to         the right end; wherein the curved middle perforation arrays are         disposed along a curve, similar to a curve of the front end and         the back end of the perspiration shield.         9. The shield of any preceding statement wherein the shield         comprises an additive to absorb or mask sweat odour.         10. The shield of statement 9 wherein the additive is disposed         in the absorbent layer.         11. The perspiration shield of statements 9 or 10 wherein the         additive is selected from the group of antiperspirants,         deodorants, perfumes, fluid absorbents, scent absorbing         materials, corn starch, talcumn powder, baking soda, charcoal,         acid, vinegar and combinations thereof.

For example, although the Figures illustrate an article of clothing, such as a dress and a sleeveless dress, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the article of clothing may be for male or female users, and still perform its intended function. In addition, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the article of clothing may vary in size, shape, design, configuration, length, height, width, color, fabric, material, etc. and still perform its intended function.

Additionally, although the figures illustrate a fold indicator and a plurality of perforation arrays disposed on and through the perspiration shield, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the perspiration shield may include all or some of either the fold indicator and the plurality of perforation arrays and still perform its intended function.

It is also envisioned that apertures/cavities may be shaped different from the illustrated “diamond” shapes, including but not limited to squares, rectangles, circles, ellipses, irregular shapes, profiles of recognizable objects and/or characters, and/or recognizable brands and the like and combinations thereof.

It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design of this invention. An example is that the shield may have a circular, rectangular, square, irregular, or other exterior profile.

Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device may be constructed of a variety of materials, including but not limited to woven fibers, non-woven fibers, ceramics, metals, woods, fluids, plastics, resins, and the like and combinations thereof.

Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be limited to consist of or to consist essentially of one or more of the features, functions, structures, methods described herein. 

1. A perspiration shield, comprising: a) a top surface including a fold indicator; b) a bottom surface, opposite the top surface, including a plurality of perforation arrays extending through the bottom surface to the top surface; c) a left end, wherein a first perforation array is disposed along the left end and extends substantially parallel to a primary axis of the left end; d) a right end, opposite the left end; e) a front end, wherein a second perforation array is disposed along the front end along a curve substantially similar to a curve of the front end, and wherein a first adhesive region is disposed along the front end substantially parallel to an axis of the front end; f) a back end, opposite the front end and substantially orthogonal to the left end; g) a middle region extending between the left end and the right end, including: g1) an adhesive layer; g2) a reduction region having reduced material compared to its surrounding; and g3) a pair of fourth perforation arrays extending along the middle region and disposed substantially parallel to a primary axis of the middle region; and h) an absorbent layer disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface.
 2. The shield of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface include a layer of panty liner.
 3. The shield of claim 1, wherein the left end of the shield minors the right end of the shield, and the front end of the shield mirrors the back end of the shield.
 4. The shield of claim 1, wherein the reduction region includes an array of diamond shaped apertures.
 5. The shield of claim 1, wherein the right end includes a first perforation array disposed along the right end and extends substantially parallel to a primary axis of the right end.
 6. The shield of claim 1, wherein the left end and the right end each further include a third perforation array disposed substantially parallel to the first perforation array of the left end and the right end.
 7. The shield of claim 1, wherein the back end includes a second perforation array disposed along the back end and along a curve substantially similar to a curve of the back end, and wherein a second adhesive region is disposed along the back end substantially parallel to an axis of the back end.
 8. The shield of claim 1, further comprising a pair of curved middle perforation arrays disposed substantially about the middle region of the shield, extending from the left end to the right end; wherein the curved middle perforation arrays are disposed along a curve, similar to a curve of the front end and the back end of the perspiration shield.
 9. The shield of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of fold indicators disposed on the top surface.
 10. A perspiration shield, comprising: a) a top surface including a fold indicator; b) a bottom surface, opposite the top surface, including a plurality of perforation arrays extending through the bottom surface to the top surface; c) a left end, wherein a first perforation array is disposed along the left end and extends substantially parallel to a primary axis of the left end; d) a right end, opposite the left end; e) a front end, wherein a second perforation array is disposed along the front end along a curve substantially similar to a curve of the front end, and wherein a first adhesive region is disposed along the front end substantially parallel to an axis of the front end; f) a back end, opposite the front end and substantially orthogonal to the left end; g) a middle region extending between the left end and the right end, including: g1) an adhesive layer; and g2) a pair of fourth perforation arrays extending along the middle region and disposed substantially parallel to a primary axis of the middle region; and h) an absorbent layer disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface.
 11. The shield of claim 10, wherein the bottom surface include a layer of panty liner.
 12. The shield of claim 11, wherein the left end of the shield minors the right end of the shield and the front end of the shield minors the back end of the shield.
 13. The shield of claim 12, wherein the right end includes a first perforation array disposed along the right end and extends substantially parallel to a primary axis of the right end.
 14. The shield of claim 13, wherein the left end and the right end each include a third perforation array disposed substantially parallel to the first perforation array.
 15. The shield of claim 14, wherein the back end includes a second perforation array disposed along the back end and along a curve substantially similar to a curve of the back end, and wherein a second adhesive region is disposed along the back end substantially parallel to an axis of the back end.
 16. The shield of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of fold indicators disposed on the top surface.
 17. The shield of claim 16, further comprising a pair of curved middle perforation arrays disposed substantially about the middle region of the shield, extending from the left end to the right end; wherein the curved middle perforation arrays are disposed along a curve similar to a curve of the back end and the front end of the perspiration shield.
 18. The shield of claim 17, wherein the middle region includes a reduction region having reduced material compared to its surrounding.
 19. The shield of claim 18, wherein the reduction region includes an array of diamond shaped apertures.
 20. A perspiration shield, comprising: a) a top surface including a fold indicator; b) a bottom surface, opposite the top surface, including a plurality of perforation arrays extending through the bottom surface to the top surface; wherein the bottom surface include a layer of panty liner; c) a left end, wherein a first perforation array is disposed along the left end and extends substantially parallel to a primary axis of the left end; d) a right end, opposite the left end; wherein the right end includes a first perforation array disposed along the right end and extends substantially parallel to a primary axis of the right end; wherein the left end and the right end each include a third perforation array disposed substantially parallel to the first perforation array; e) a front end, wherein second a perforation array is disposed along the front end along a curve substantially similar to a curve of the front end, and wherein a first adhesive region is disposed along the front end substantially parallel to an axis of the front end; f) a back end, opposite the front end and substantially orthogonal to the left end; wherein the back end includes a second perforation array disposed along the back end along a curve substantially similar to a curve of the back end, and wherein a second adhesive region is disposed along the back end substantially parallel to an axis of the back end; wherein the left end of the shield mirrors the right end of the shield and the front end of the shield mirrors the back end of the shield; g) a middle region extending between the left end and the right end, including: g1) an adhesive layer; g2) a reduction region having reduced material compared to its surrounding; wherein the reduction region includes an array of diamond shaped apertures; g3) a pair of fourth perforation arrays extending along the middle region and disposed substantially parallel to a primary axis of the middle region; and g4) a pair of curved middle perforation arrays disposed substantially about the middle region of the shield, extending from the left end to the right end; wherein the curved middle perforation arrays are disposed along a curve similar to a curve of the front end and the back end of the perspiration shield; and h) an absorbent layer disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface. 